U.S. strikes Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz
newsNov 3, 202685204
The United States carried out limited "defensive" strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said, targeting "Iranians using surface to air missiles against U.S. assets." Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island. The strikes appeared limited rather than a return to full hostilities and came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections; President Donald Trump had previously said the U.S. would not launch new strikes before the vote. Thousands of U.S. troops remain at sea enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian oil exports, and a third aircraft carrier plus additional troops are en route to the region. Backchannel diplomacy is ongoing: Qatari mediators held two rounds of talks with Iranian officials last week and further talks are planned, while Vice President J.D. Vance sent a letter to Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei and said he felt optimistic about negotiating a settlement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the Trump administration to press for further strikes after Israel’s recent election setbacks, according to regional officials quoted in reporting.
